“Derec! Time to get up!”

“...Mmmmmhh....... Why?” Derec grumbled.

“Remember the conversation we had. It's Monday and you need to get ready for school.”

“Mmmm... Fifth grade is stupid, I don't wanna go.”

“Lucky you then, you're not going to fifth grade.”

Derec's face scrunched up in confusion. “Then why am I going to school?” He mumbled and burrowed deeper into the warm sheets.

Henry sighed and shifted his weight. “Geez Derec, wake up and remember the whole conversation. You're in eleventh grade as of today, and you're making me later for work, so move it would you?!” he called the last of it as he travelled down the hall.

Grumbling some more as the roused himself from bed, Derec stumbled to the closet to stare at the clothes he thought much to large for him.

*********

“Okay, I'm coming with you to the guidance office where you will meet Miss. Mitchell. She will make sure you don't have any problems.” Henry explained absently as he steered the car into a parking place.

“But Henry, I'm too old for a babysitter. Even you said I was a teenager.”

“I know, I know. But even being a teenager like the other students at this school; you will be the only one who remembers playing on the play station for the first time as if it was yesterday.”

Crossing his arms, Derec looked out the windshield. A large building dominated the landscape before him. “It wasn't yesterday....It was last week.” He muttered.

Henry just raised an eyebrow at Derec's argument, his unspoken reply obvious. Henry unbuckled himself and exited the car, headed toward the building. Derec followed suit rushing to catch up. As they entered into the lobby a short young woman approached them. She wore a simple green dress, her red hair piled atop her head in a classic style. The only adornment was the welcoming smile upon her face.

“Welcome, You're Mr. Markson I presume.” At his nod of greeting she turned to Derec. “Hi, and you must be Derec.”

“I don't need a babysitter.” He complained while glaring down at her from is obvious advantage in height.

Placing her fists against her hips she glared right back. “Whoever said I was a babysitter, cause I sure didn't. For you Derec I'm more of a friend, and if that doesn't work out I'm just a bodyguard.” Turning back to Henry the smile appeared again and Derec blushed in embarrassment as he looked away. “Now Mr. Markson, Though our school prides itself on the well mannered attitudes of its students. I'm sure you're not surprised to hear that we will be expecting some issues with other students. They will view Derec as someone getting a free ride while they had to work to get in this school.”

“I fully understand. And I trust that you will take care of those issues.”

“Thank you, now come with me and I can tell you about Derec's schedule.”

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Miss. Mitchell led them down the main hall way and opened a door on the left. Walking in they found themselves in a beautifully decorated office. The far wall dominated by a large landscape depicting a impressive waterfall that couldn't possibly be from this world. Derec managed to take a seat without tripping while still looking at the painting.

“Okay, Here we are. Based on the grades received from your previous school Derec, I have chosen your classes.” She explained while she handed both Henry and Derec the same timetable. “Every Friday, you're going to have a spare third period. At that time I want you to come to my office and we will talk about how the week went, if you are having any problems with class. And especially if you are having any problems with other students.”

“Thank you Miss. Mitchell, I'm to understand that Derec isn't actually starting today is he? Why is that?”

“Oh, yes. Because of the level of education at this school weekends are utilized by the school as a great opportunity to accomplish much. The students are expected to learn throughout the week and then apply that knowledge over the weekend to a great amount of homework by anyone's standards. Mondays are used by most teachers if not all, to review and answer questions about the assigned work. If Derec were to go to class today, he would learn nothing and it would be an ultimate waste of time.”

Listening to this Derec smiled with relief as f he had dodged a bullet. Not paying any attention to Henry and Miss. Mitchell he thought of the game once again. What strategy should he take when he got home. He wanted to explore more, but he knew he wasn't strong enough. He had barely defeated the fox and who knew what other creatures could roam a dense forest like the one surrounding the city.

“Are you okay with that Derec?” Henry asked suddenly pulling him out of his daydream,

“What?”

“Miss. Mitchell suggested that one of your electives be a phys ed. course so that you may know the strength of you're own body. And I agree that it would be a great idea.”

“Yeah okay, do I get to pick any other classes.”

“Yes, Derec, you may but I would rather you only commit to more classes in a week or two based on how you do in these classes. Though your marks in your previous school are promising, this school tends to be far more demanding.”

“Fine.”

“Well then, Thanks again Miss. Mitchell.” Henry stood to shake her hand.

“Bye Miss Mitchell see you tomorrow.”